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☆ Insomnia raises stroke risk in people under 50, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Stroke risk is typically higher in older adults with more health problems, the study noted. After controlling for other factors that contribute to stroke risk, researchers found people with five to eight symptoms of insomnia had a 51% increased risk of stroke compared with people who did not have insomnia, according to a statement on the study published Wednesday in the journal Neurology. In comparison, people who had one to four symptoms had a 16% increased risk of stroke compared with people with no symptoms of insomnia, the study found. Getting more than nine hours of sleep on average was linked with a twofold increase in stroke risk. However, taking a planned nap of less than an hour was not associated with an increased stroke risk, the study said.

Persons: ”, epidemiologist Wendemi, snored, Napping, Phyllis Zee, ” Zee, Andrew Freeman Organizations: CNN, Mayo Clinic, Virginia Commonwealth University, US Centers for Disease Control, Center, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, Jewish Health Locations: Richmond, Chicago, Denver

☆ Fight hot flashes with these expert-approved methods
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-07 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

“Specifically, what we’re talking about are hot flashes and the accompanying night sweats because those are the most common,” Faubion said. “This is the first-of-its-kind medication, a neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist, that tackles moderate to severe hot flashes where they begin — the brain,” she said. Fezolinetant, which goes by the brand name Veozah, “targets the neural activity which causes hot flashes during menopause. Doucefleur/iStockphoto/Getty ImagesAn overactive bladder drug, oxybutynin, also “profoundly dropped hot flashes,” Shufelt said. Studies did show that weight loss reduces hot flashes, as do mindfulness practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, Shufelt said.

Persons: Stephanie Faubion, ”, Chrisandra Shufelt, Shufelt, ” Faubion, “ We’re, “, ” Shufelt, “ You’ve, it’s, I’ve, It’s, Faubion, ‘, I’m Organizations: CNN, Mayo Clinic’s Center, Women’s Health, Women’s Health Research, Mayo Clinic, FDA Locations: Jacksonville , Florida

☆ Sleep apnea linked to smaller brain volume, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

However, people who snore heavily or who have sleep apnea can experience hundreds of mini-arousals per night — even though they don’t realize it. The study group underwent brain scans, memory tests that were repeated at about 21 months, and an overnight sleep study done at their homes. Severe sleep apnea was associated with worrisome changes in the brains of middle-aged and older adults, a July 2018 study found. “We surmise that hypoxia may also have a deleterious effect on the volume of the regions of the medial temporal lobe. Studies such as these reinforce the need to be assessed by a sleep specialist and treated for sleep apnea.

Persons: ”, Géraldine Rauchs, ” Rauchs, “, Rudy Tanzi, ” Tanzi, Tanzi, Rauchs Organizations: CNN, National Institute of Health, Medical Research, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital Locations: Caen, France, Boston, Massachusetts

☆ Cognitive decline accelerates after heart attack, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

However, age-related cognitive decline is quite different from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and should not be confused with those, experts say. During the course of the research, however, over 1,000 of the participants had an acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack. Past studies found linkThis isn’t the first study to find a connection between accelerated cognitive decline and heart attacks, Smith and Silbert noted. As in the new study, people with heart attacks or angina (chest pain) had annual rates of cognitive decline before the attack similar to those of people who never had a heart attack, but then experienced accelerated cognitive decline, they added. Possible explanations may include depression after having a heart attack, which has been linked to dementia, they said.

Persons: What’s, Eric Smith, Lisa Silbert, Smith, ” Smith, Silbert, ” Organizations: CNN, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Aging Locations: United States, Alberta, Portland, White

☆ Lower cholesterol with a plant-based diet, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-24 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

In study particpants, LDL levels dropped 10% and total cholesterol declined 7% for people following a plant-based diet when compared with those who eat both meat and plants, the study found. A plant-based diet can help reduce LDL cholesterol, a new study said. Statin treatment is superior to plant-based diets in reducing fats and cholesterol levels, Frikke-Schmidt said in a statement. In addition, people who transition to a plant-based diet should still be mindful about the kinds of foods they’re consuming. “Not all plant-based diets are equal,” said Aedin Cassidy, professor and director for interdisciplinary research at the Institute for Global Food Security in Queen’s University Belfast, in a statement.

☆ Safest summer sunscreens for 2023, according to the Environmental Working Group
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-23 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

In 2019, oxybenzone was an ingredient in 60% of all sunscreen products tested by EWG, dropping to 30% in 2022. Best sunscreen by useFor the 2023 report, EWG tested and ranked over 1,700 sunscreen products for their safety and effectiveness, grouping the results by use. In addition to chemicals, there are two types of mineral ingredients listed in the guide that the FDA said are safe and effective: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. “Consumers need to have confidence that the sunscreen products they use meet international standards,” Swei said. Another plus — mineral ingredients don’t appear to harm the environment.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Emily Spilman, oxybenzone, EWG, David Andrews, EWG’s, Spilman, Homer Swei, ” Swei, ” Spilman, Oxybenzone, —, sunscreens, Alexandra Kowcz Organizations: CNN, Food and Drug Administration, Science, Environmental, Products, FDA, Healthy, EWG, sunscreens, European Union, Canada, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Toxicology Program, Skin Cancer Foundation, US Food and Drug Administration, Research, Care Products Council Locations: sunscreens, oxybenzone, EWG

☆ The good, bad and ugly about BMI
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Short for body mass Index, BMI is nothing more than a crude measurement of a person’s body fat based on height and weight. Yet critics say the term BMI has become a societal judgment by lumping individuals into arbitrary categories that perpetuate misconceptions about body weight. “Yet it has become completely medicalized that health equals weight, weight equals health based on BMI. Conversely, BMI can underestimate body fat in older adults and anyone who has lost muscle, according to the Harvard T.H. More conundrums: Women naturally have more body fat and less muscle mass than men, while some racial and ethnic groups are genetically predisposed to carry more or less lean muscle mass and body fat.

☆ Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: The condition public figures Sen. Dianne Feinstein and pop star Justin Bieber have brought to light
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the 89-year-old California Democrat who was diagnosed with shingles in February, confirmed Thursday she “continues to have complications” from a viral infection called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. “This makes its true frequency more difficult to determine,” the Cleveland Clinic noted. Ramsay Hunt syndrome can also cause hearing loss on the side of the face affected. About 70% of people with Ramsay Hunt will regain complete or “almost complete” function of facial muscles, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antiviral therapy seem to improve long-term outcomes,” the Cleveland Clinic notes on its website.

☆ A growing number of sports bras, shirts and leggings brands found with high levels of toxic chemical, watchdog warns
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The newly tested brands and their products include leggings from Athleta, Champion, Kohl’s, Nike and Patagonia, sports bras from Sweaty Betty, athletic shirts from Fabletics and shorts from Adidas, Champion and Nike. The group had also tested athletic shirts in October from brands that included The North Face, Brooks, Mizuno, Athleta, New Balance, and Reebok and found similar results. Athleta, Nike, Reebok, The North Face and Victoria’s Secret (which owns PINK) did not provide a comment to CNN at the time. BPA (Bisphenol A) is found in a large number of everyday products, from water bottles and canned foods to toys and flooring. Sports bras and athletic shirts are worn for hours at a time, and you are meant to sweat in them, so it is concerning to be finding such high levels of BPA in our clothing,” Allan Sugerman said.

☆ Older dogs who sleep badly may have dementia, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

During his snooze, the study team will analyze Woofus’ brain waves to judge the quality of his sleep. John Joyner/NC State Veterinary MedicineTraining the dogs to accept EEGTo find out whether sleep problems in dogs indicate early signs of dementia as they do in people, Olby and her team turned to a group of senior dogs enrolled in an ongoing study testing antiaging supplements. John Joyner/NC State Veterinary MedicineFor the new study measuring a dog’s brain waves during sleep, researchers used a form of electroencephalogram called polysomnography, used in sleep clinics to diagnose sleep problems in people. Jake, a 13-year-old pointer, was one of 28 dogs trained to sleep with EEG electrodes. When sleeping brain waves were compared with a dog’s cognitive testing, researchers found that dogs with greater dementia spent less time in deep and REM sleep, just as people do.

☆ Marijuana harms development in first trimester of pregnancy
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“Low birth weight is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s health and development long-term,” she said. “What we are telling women is that it’s not an absolute certainty that your baby’s growth will be impacted if you are using marijuana. “My advice to women is to avoid using marijuana at all during pregnancy and if possible stop using prior to becoming pregnant,” Bailey said. Marijuana use can harm fetal development in the first trimester, a time when many people may not know they are pregnant. Prior research has “pretty well established” that smoking cigarettes during pregnancy has a bigger impact on birth weight than exposure to marijuana,” Bailey said.

☆ Sleep apnea, lack of deep sleep linked to damage in brain, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

If the sleep apnea is severe and untreated, people have three times the risk of dying from any cause. People with severe sleep apnea who spent less time in deep, also known as slow-wave sleep, had more damage to the white matter of the brain than people who had more slow-wave sleep, according to the study. “The association with sleep apnea was only unveiled when we isolated severe cases, suggesting that mild to moderate sleep apnea may not be significantly associated with white matter changes,” he said. About 34% of the participants had mild sleep apnea, 32% had moderate and 34% had severe sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea, however, can have dozens of micro-awakenings during the night as they snore, snort or gasp for breath.

☆ Is your job ruining your sleep? If so, this may be why
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Experiencing negative changes in workplace leadership and fairness was associated with the strongest long-term impact on a worker's sleep. LumiNola/E+/Getty ImagesSleep problems included initiating or maintaining sleep, poor-quality sleep and daytime tiredness two to four times a week that lasted one month to three months. Within a two-year period of time, over half of the participants (53%) reported changes in their workplace environment. However, if the changes at work were negative, sleep issues increased — in fact 1 in 4 people in the study with a worse job environment developed problems getting enough rest. Having negative changes in the leadership and fairness sector was associated with the greatest long-term impact on sleep, more than negative changes in coworker relationships or collaboration, the study found.

☆ Cognitive decline, dementia common after stroke
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

About 40% of the survivors of stroke have mild cognitive impairment that does not meet the diagnostic criteria for dementia. Cognitive impairment is most common within the first two weeks after a stroke, the statement said. The American Stroke Association’s statement did offer some good news: About 20% of people who experience mild cognitive impairment after a stroke fully recover their cognitive function, typically within the first six months. Stroke risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, should be treated, as should atrial fibrillation. “Perhaps the most pressing need, however, is the development of effective and culturally relevant treatments for post-stroke cognitive impairment,” she said.

☆ Top diets for heart health, according to American Heart Association
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But which diet best meets the dietary guidelines of the American Heart Association? In a new scientific statement, leading experts in nutrition ranked 10 popular diets on their ability to meet the AHA’s evidence-based dietary guidance for heart health, published in 2021. “The American Heart Association says no one should drink alcohol if they haven’t started,” Gardner said. Aimed at doctorsWhile people concerned with heart health can and should use the new AHA ranking of the 10 diets, the scientific statement was written for physicians, Gardner said. Top diets for heart health are predominately plant-based, the AHA statement says.

☆ Sleep gummies: Possibly harmful doses of melatonin, CBD found
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Testing of over two dozen melatonin “gummies” sold as sleep aids found some had potentially dangerous amounts of the hormone that helps regulate sleep, according to a new study. “Four of the tested products contained levels of CBD that were between 4% and 18% higher than on the label,” Cohen said. “We choose gummies over other products because we thought parents would chose edibles to give to their children,” Cohen said. Gummies sold as sleep aids had much higher levels of melatonin than stated on the label, as well as CBD, according to the study. “However, that doesn’t mean melatonin products are going to work or they’re a good idea to take.

☆ The Janes 1960s underground abortion network
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +28 min

The group was officially created in 1969 as the “Abortion Counseling Service of Women’s Liberation.”But after running ads in an underground newspaper: “Pregnant? “It wasn’t just abortion,” Barron explained. “Vacuum aspiration was much easier to do, and I think it’s less difficult for the woman,” Scott said. We had to keep the service running.”Laura Kaplan volunteered for the Janes, later immortalizing the group in her book, "The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service." Each Jane was charged with 11 counts of abortion and conspiracy to commit abortion, with a possible sentence of up to 110 years in prison.

☆ Type 2 diabetes: Coffee, tea lower risk of heart disease and early death
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —If you have type 2 diabetes, drinking more coffee, tea or plain water may lower your risk of dying prematurely from any cause by about 25%, a new study found. However, drinking more sugar-sweetened beverages raised the risk of heart disease by 25% and the risk of dying from a heart attack or another cardiovascular event by 29%, the study said. Adults with type 2 diabetes who drink more coffee or tea lower their risk of heart disease, a new study said. There was a 26% lower risk of early death associated with drinking coffee, 21% for tea, 23% for plain water and 12% for low-fat milk. When both sugar-sweetened and artificial no-calorie drinks were replaced with coffee, tea, plain water and low-fat milk, there was an even lower risk of heart disease and death from any cause.

☆ ADHD medication abuse in schools is a ‘wake-up call’
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Schools with the highest rates of teens using prescribed ADHD medications were about 36% more likely to have students misusing prescription stimulants during the past year, the study found. Schools with more White students and those who had medium levels of student binge drinking were also more likely to see teen abuse of stimulants. “But these findings were not being driven solely by teens with ADHD misusing their medications,” McCabe said. Research has also shown people who misuse ADHD medications are highly likely to have multiple substance use disorders. “Parents can make sure the schools their kids attend have safe storage for medication and strict dispensing policies.

☆ Alzheimer’s first signs may appear in your eyes, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Getty ImagesResearch has been exploring how the eye may help in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms begin. “Alzheimer’s disease begins in the brain decades before the first symptoms of memory loss,” said Dr. Richard Isaacson, an Alzheimer’s preventive neurologist who is also at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Researchers then compared samples from donors with normal cognitive function to those with mild cognitive impairment and those with later-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in February in the journal Acta Neuropathologica, found significant increases in beta-amyloid, a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease, in people with both Alzheimer’s and early cognitive decline. Tissue atrophy and inflammation in cells in the far periphery of the retina were most predictive of cognitive status, the study found.

☆ Dirty Dozen list: Which fruits and vegetables could contain pesticides
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Each year, a rotating list of produce is tested by USDA staffers who wash, peel or scrub fruits and vegetables as consumers would before the food is examined for 251 different pesticides. Kale, collard and mustard greens contained the largest number of different pesticides — 103 types — followed by hot and bell peppers at 101. Concerned consumers can consider choosing conventionally grown vegetables and fruits from the EWG’s Clean 15, a list of crops that tested lowest in pesticides, the report said. When last tested in 2014, blueberries contained over 50 different pesticides. Testing in 2020 and 2021 found 54 different pesticides — about the same amount.

Persons: nutritionists, Kale, collard, ”, Jane Houlihan, Houlihan, Ian Berry, Alexis Temkin, ” Temkin, we’re, ” Chris Novak, ” Novak, Bryan Hitchcock, Temkin, “, “ Steer Organizations: CNN, Environmental, Produce, US Department of Agriculture, USDA, Environmental Protection Agency, Healthy, American Academy of Pediatrics, Futures, EPA, US Centers for Disease Control, CDC, CropLife, Food Technologists, US Food and Drug Administration Locations: CropLife America

☆ Erythritol, an ingredient in stevia, linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —A sugar replacement called erythritol — used to add bulk or sweeten stevia, monkfruit and keto reduced-sugar products — has been linked to blood clotting, stroke, heart attack and death, according to a study. “If your blood level of erythritol was in the top 25% compared to the bottom 25%, there was about a two-fold higher risk for heart attack and stroke,” Hazen said. Clots can break off and travel to the heart, triggering a heart attack, or to the brain, triggering a stroke. “There appears to be a clotting risk from using erythritol,” Freeman said. In all three populations, researchers found that higher levels of erythritol were connected to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke or death within three years.

Persons: ”, Stanley Hazen, ” Hazen, “, erythritol, Andrew Freeman, ” Freeman, Robert Rankin, ” Rankin, Hazen, “ It’s, Erythritol, Hazen’s, Oliver Jones, ” Jones, You’ll, Health’s Freeman Organizations: CNN, Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, People, Nature, Jewish Health, European Association of Polyol, Cleveland Clinic’s Center, Human, RMIT University, National Health, European Food Safety Authority, Food and Drug Administration Locations: Denver, United States, Europe, erythritol, Australia

☆ How to focus with a short attention span
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-11 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

In her book “Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity,” Mark explains how decades of research have tracked the decline of the ability to focus. “In 2004, we measured the average attention on a screen to be 2½ minutes,” Mark said. “In fact, our research shows it takes 25 minutes, 26 seconds, before we go back to the original working sphere or project,” Mark said. “And then you go back and pick up the original interrupted project,” Mark said. For over 25 minutes, you’re actually working on other things.”(At least I can tell my boss that when I miss my deadline.)

Persons: CNN — I’ve, ”, Gloria Mark, Mark, ” Mark, “, you’re, there’s, “ You’re, it’s, Bora Bora, ” It’s, — Organizations: CNN, Pixar, University of California, Adobe Stock Locations: Irvine, Bora

☆ How to prevent a hangover, and 3 ways to treat one
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —You had a little too much to drink last night, and now you’re nursing that dreaded morning aftermath — a hangover. There is no scientifically proven way to cure a hangover, but experts say you can prevent one — or at least keep that morning-after misery to a minimum. Drink on a full stomachEating a little before you start drinking can reduce your hangover symptoms, experts say. AbstainIn the end, however, experts say there is only one true preventive — or cure — for a hangover: Don’t drink. “There’s no simple cure because there are so many complex factors that are producing the multiple symptoms of a hangover,” Swift said.

Persons: CNN —, ”, Robert Swift, Brown University’s Warren, Swift, “, it’s, John Brick, Downing, bootleggers, That’s, Brick, ” Swift Organizations: CNN, Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School, Lightfield, Adobe, of Alcohol Studies, Education, Training, Rutgers University Locations: Providence , Rhode Island, New Jersey

☆ Neck pain associated with poor sleep position
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Neck pain may have many causes: Stress, poor posture, texting, injuries from sports, car or other accidents and chronic illnesses such as fibromyalgia, to name a few. Don't sleep on your stomach if you want to avoid neck pain, experts say. What to do about neck painWhat’s the best course of action if you wake up with neck pain? Studies show exercise can improve neck pain from sleep much better than other noninvasive interventions such as massage, acupuncture, yoga or relaxation techniques. A 2020 study found mood and sleep improved when people with chronic neck pain increased their exercise levels.

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